Ginseng is a common health drink in China, Korea, and Japan and consumed its distinct flavor and medicinal properties. The word “ginseng” came from the Chinese term “jen-shen,” which means, “in the image of man.” Ginseng refers to a group of herbs from the plant family Araliacae. There are the three main types of ginseng: Oriental ginseng (Chinese or Korean), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosis). Traditional Chinese medicine says that each type of ginseng has unique healing properties. It contains complex mixtures of carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, nitrogenous compounds and other essential vitamins and minerals. Compounds called ginsenosides were identified by many studies as its main active components. Ginsengs have “cooling” effect, which make it useful for the treatment of fever, respiratory tract disorders, and the improvement of blood circulation. Studies show that ginsenosides, the active ingredient of ginseng, is responsible for the many health benefits of ginseng. For this reason, ginseng is used by people the world over as an alternative medicine.
All over Asia, thousands of people drink the beverage because they believe that ginseng helps:
· reduce fatigue and increases stamina;
· increase the formation of red blood cells and helps eliminate anemia;
· improve mental conditions and helps prevent neuroses;
· increase the secretion of body fluids and helps prevent diabetes;
· normalize pulmonary functions, preventing coughing, tuberculosis, and asthma;
· strengthen the gastrointestinal system and can help facilitate liver regeneration;
· detoxify poisons;
· enhance blood alcohol clearance;
· reduce the effect of alcohol intoxication;
· eliminate hangovers; and
· treat influenza and other infections.
Ginseng is also used to enhance physical and mental performance. It is often called an “adaptogen” because it bolsters the body’s ability to combat physical and mental stress. Several studies show that ginseng is able to reduce the levels of fatigue in men and women. Many clinical studies show that people who take ginseng or ginseng supplements were able to overcome higher levels of emotional and physical difficulties. In addition, regular intake of ginseng may reduce one’s chancer of acquiring different types of cancer especially the types that affect the lungs, liver, and ovaries. Reports say that individuals who use ginseng regularly feel better and are more alert. It may also improve one’s memory and other mental faculties. For maximum results, some regular consumers of this herbal beverage include another traditional healing ingredient called gingko biloba.
Impotence is another ailment that can supposedly be treated through regular consumption of ginseng. Ginseng is believed to be effective in helping increase sperm production. It is also taken as a supplement to improve sexual performance. Recent medical studies show that ginseng does enhance libido and sexual performance. Ginseng promotes the release of nitric oxide and improves the blood flow in the penis and, in the process, enhances sexual pleasure and performance.
For centuries, ginseng was used not only as a beverage but also as a tonic to improve sexual performance. Still, more research is needed to fully validate the efficacy of Nature’s wonder root as a medicinal product.